Morpho-Diversity of Oryza Sativa L. Genetic Cultivars from West Bengal, India

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334b International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management 2012, 3(3):368-375 Morpho-diversity of Oryza Sativa L. genetic cultivars from West Bengal, India

Partha Sarathi Saha, Subhabrata Paul and Biswajit Ghosh*

Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Edt Kolkata, West Bengal (700 118), India Article History Abstract Manuscript No. 334b The present study was undertaken for germplasm collection, and morphological Received in 5th July, 2012 characterization of fiftyOryza sativa L. cultivars from West Bengal, India. The starch- Received in revised form 5th September, 2012 iodine test shows that the Borapaddy variety is very sticky, indicating relatively higher Accepted in final form th7 September, 2012 amylopectin content. A positive correlation (p= 0.05; two-tailed) was observed between the number of rice grains per panicle and the leaf length or leaf width, suggesting that leaf surface area is intimately linked to photosynthetic capabilities and food storage Correspondence to in the grains of each panicle. The odour perceived after alkaline treatment of grains, revealed that the Tulaipanji, Tulshi bhog, Bhog dhan, Khas dhan, Chini atap, Kalojire, *E-mail: [email protected] Phulpakri, Kalanunia, Prasad bhog, Kalojoha, Katari bhog, Badsha bhog and Danaguri varieties were aromatic. The results underscore a need for conservation strategies that Keywords optimize use of rare cultivars in breeding programs.

Oryza sativa, wild, aroma, awn, amylopectin, panicle

1. Introduction The resultant genetic variation is extensive and must therefore be conserved in order to develop new varieties that can increase It has been estimated that half the world’s population subsists yields, adapt to climatic change, resist new pests or diseases wholly or partially on rice (Oryza sativa L.), the second most and tolerate other threats to crop production. Modern indus- commonly consumed cereal grain after wheat (Pachauri et al., trial agricultural practices have, however, eroded biodiversity 2010). Rice belongs to the family: Gramineae (Poaceae) and by displacing traditional rice varieties and scant regard for tribe: Oryzae. Khush (1997) reported that ~1,20,000 varieties the farmer’s knowledge and skills necessary to cultivate and of rice are currently known. India is the largest rice growing preserve such varieties (Deb, 2009). country accounting for nearly one-third of the world acreage There are several reports on agro-morphological characterization under the crop which is grown in almost all states, covering of tropical and subtropical rice varieties (Patra and Dhua, 2003; more than 30% of the total cultivated area (NBPGR-MOEF Ogunbayo et al., 2005; Bajracharya et al., 2006; Barry et al., GOI, 2006). Properties of rice grains that are significant include 2007; Siddiqui et al., 2007; Sanni et al., 2008; Moukoumbi et general physical appearance in terms of grain size or shape al., 2011; Sarhadi et al., 2011), but none from West Bengal. and organoleptic qualities such as its aroma and taste because Accordingly, the present study was undertaken for the development the kernel is consumed as a whole; only a small proportion is of rational germplasm collection, conservation and evaluation converted into flour, flakes or other products (Pachauri et al., 2010). When planted in different agro-ecological conditions rice Abbreviations crops naturally evolve, diversifying the number of varieties. GL: Grain length; GB: Grain breadth; GL/GB: Grain shape; There is a paucity of information regarding important traits in CLP: Colour of lemma-palea; AW: Awning; AWL: Awn length; a majority of these landraces (Rana et al., 2009), which limits GW: Weight of 100 grains; PC: Pericarp colour; HT: Plant their use in food grain production. height; LL: Leaf length; LW: Leaf width; LBP: Leaf blade In India, the state of West Bengal (23°00’ N 87° 00’ E) (Maps pubescence; HD: Days to 50% heading; M: Maturity; PN: of India, 2012) is a rich reservoir of rice biodiversity (Adhikari, Number of panicles plant-1; PL: Panicle length; PE: Panicle 2012) that derives from a legacy of indigenous farming practices. exsertion; NGP: Number grains unit-1 length of panicle.

© 2012 PP House 000368 Saha et al., 2012 of 50 wild-type rice varieties of West Bengal. sprouting seeds were then spread on to the seedbed. The trial was laid out with three replications. Then seedlings of each 2. Materials and methods variety were transplanted to a plot. Each plot was a single 3 m 2.1. Seed collection and storage row with 30 cm between rows and 15 cm between plots. Only Of numerous rice landraces collected from fields of 12 different vermicompost was applied to each seedbed. Different agro- districts of West Bengal, 50 have now been studied (Table 1) morphological and organoleptic characters of the germplasm in detail. Along with seed collection, relevant information were evaluated and recorded using established descriptors for like local name(s) and other unique features of each variety rice (Chang and Bardenas, 1965; Sanni et al., 2008) with some were also noted. For each germplasm a representative sample modifications as described in IRRI-IBPGR (1980); NBPGR- of seeds (~40%) collected from several individual plants of MOEF GOI (2006). The time intervals during different growth single population was labelled and stored at 4-8°C, at the stages, starting from seedling stage to post-harvest stage were Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, also carefully recorded. Agro-morphological traits like grain Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Ra- length, panicle number, plant height, days to 50% heading, hara, West Bengal, India. maturity etc. have been conventionally used to estimate relationships between genotypes IRRI-IBPGR (1980). Field evaluation was carried out in the experimental field of the college campus. About 50 to 60 seeds of each variety 2.2. Grain characterization were imbibed in water, wrapped in moist blotting paper and Grain morphology is important for selection of quality mark- laid in a dark chamber for 3-5 days at room temperature. The ing (Siddiqui et al., 2007). A maximum of 10 grains of each

Table 1: List of different wild-type rice landraces collected from various districts of West Bengal Sl. No. Rice variety District Sl. No. Rice variety District 1 Tulaipanji North Dinajpur 26 Khasdhan Burdwan 2 Kaika dhan Jalpaiguri 27 Lalbachhi Coochbehar 3 Patnai-Gitanjali East Midnapur 28 Badsha bhog Coochbehar 4 Basmati Murshidabad 29 Kalma Nadia 5 Bhog dhan Coochbehar 30 Borapaddy Jalpaiguri 6 Kalojire North Dinajpur 31 Lalhusri Nadia 7 Prasad bhog North Dinajpur 32 Jhulur Jalpaiguri 8 Deshi borodhan North 24 Pgs 33 Shashimohon North Dinajpur 9 Jangli dhapa Jalpaiguri 34 Bhadoi North Dinajpur 10 Zonoroi North Dinajpur 35 Manikanchan Nadia 11 Tulshi bhog Coochbehar 36 Gobinda bhog Malda 12 Kalanunia Coochbehar 37 Hajarbibi North Dinajpur 13 Changa North Dinajpur 38 Morishal South 24 Pgs 14 Lokenath South 24 Pgs 39 Jagdala North Dinajpur 15 Barajoshoa Jalpaiguri 40 Rajabadsha Nadia 16 Shilkumari North Dinajpur 41 Sungakalma Nadia 17 Saket Coochbehar 42 Bachhi dhan Jalpaiguri 18 Kalajoha Jalpaiguri 43 Roygorh South 24 Pgs 19 Ganga-Kaberi North 24 Pgs 44 Sabita South 24 Pgs 20 Anjana Coochbehar 45 Malsiraj Jalpaiguri 21 Moul Hoogly 46 Danaguri Nadia 22 Chini atap North Dinajpur 47 Deshikalam North Dinajpur 23 Baishmuthi Coochbehar 48 Phulpakri Coochbehar 24 Katari bhog South Dinajpur 49 Nayanmuni South 24 Pgs 25 Malsira Jalpaiguri 50 Behalshal Nadia

369 © 2012 PP House International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management 2012, 3(3):368-375 cultivar were used for evaluating different morphological panicles plant-1 (PN), length of panicle (PL), panicle exsertion parameters like grain length (GL), grain breadth (GB), shape (PE) and number of spikelets or grains unit-1 length of panicle (GL/GB ratio), colour of lemma-palea (CLP), awns (AW), awn (NGP) (Chang and Bardenas, 1965). The total number of length (AWL), 100 grain weight (GW) and pericarp colour (PC) panicles individual plant-1 directly denotes the yield potential which together constitute grain quality (Chang and Bardenas, of that plant. The PN was characterised as low (4-6), medium 1965; IRRI-IBPGR, 1980; NBPGR-MOEF GOI, 2006; Sanni (7-10) or high (11-14). The PL comprises short (<15 cm), et al., 2008). medium (16-25 cm) or long (>25 cm) varieties and was evalu- To characterize the husked grain length (in mm), longitudinal ated by measuring the distance (in cm) from the panicle base distance from the base of the lowermost sterile lemma to the to the tip. The PE was characterized as well exserted, partly tip (apiculus) of the lemma was measured. The GL includes exserted or enclosed on the basis of exsertion of panicle above short (<8 mm), medium (8-10 mm) or long (>10 mm) types. the flag leaf sheath, after anthesis (Sanni et al., 2008). The NGP Similarly, for grain breadth (GB), the dorsiventral distance may be of lax (3-4), intermediate (5-7) or dense (8-12) types (diameter) across the lemma and the palea at the widest point (Chang and Bardenas, 1965). was measured. The GL/GB ratio can be interpreted as bold 2.5. Mature plant characterization (<2.1 mm), medium (2.1-3.0 mm) or slender (>3.0 mm). The To evaluate the diversity in different landraces, plant height method used for observing colour of lemma-palea (CLP) and (HT) at maturity, leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), leaf blade awns (AW) of the grains was only by visual inspection. The pubescence (LBP), days to 50% heading (HD), and maturity presence or absence of awns was recorded. The AWL in case (M) were studied as agro-morphological traits (Sanni et al., of awned varieties was noted as short (<12 mm), moderately 2008). The rice plant height (HT) was measured by calculating the long (13-60 mm) or very long (>60 mm) (NBPGR-MOEF distance (cm) from soil surface to the tip of the tallest panicle GOI, 2006). at or following anthesis. The HT may be semi dwarf (≤110 Grain weight (GW) influences the choice of selecting a rice cm), intermediate (111-130 cm) or tall (>130 cm). The leaf variety for consumption. For this, 100 mature dried whole just below the flag leaf was used for measuring the leaf length grains were weighed in an electronic balance; they were and width (cm). The LL is short (≤40 cm), medium (41-60 classified as being light (<2 g), intermediate (2-4 g) or heavy cm) or long (>60 cm), whereas, LW may be narrow (<1.2 cm), (>4 g) (Sanni et al., 2008; IRRI-IBPGR, 1980). The PC of medium (1.2-1.6 cm) or broad (>1.6 cm). dehusked grains of each variety was also recorded (Sanni et Leaf blade pubescence (LBP) was classified as glabrous, al., 2008; IRRI-IBPGR, 1980). intermediate or pubescent, by rubbing the leaf surface from tip 2.3. Organoleptic or biochemical characterization to the base with the fingers. Another commonly used measure Organoleptic or biochemical properties of the grain may be is the date of 50% panicle emergence or heading (HD). The HD used to aid in varietal classification (Chang and Bardenas, of each individual variety were counted and recorded as very 1965). Two such properties i.e, the type of endosperm (sticky early (<75 days), early (76-90 days), medium (91-105 days), or non-sticky) and aroma of the grain were tested. The presence late (106-120 days) or very late (>120 days). The period of of amylose or amylopectin in the starchy endosperm reveals maturity (M) for each plant was classified as being very early whether the variety is sticky or non-sticky, and it can be estimated (<100 days), early (101-115 days), medium (116-130 days), by starch-iodine-blue test (Halick and Keneaster, 1956). Chang late (131-145 days) or very late (>145 days) depending on the and Bardenas (1965) have reported a brownish staining reaction days from seeding to ripening of more than 85% of the grains with 30% (w/v) iodine solution indicating that only amylopectin in the panicle. is present in the starch granules, whereas, a dark blue staining 2.6. Statistical analysis reaction with 30% (w/v) iodine solution indicates the presence To establish correlations, if any, between agro-morphological of only amylose in the starch granules. traits studied, the Pearson’s correlation coefficients (n) test Another attractive characteristic of high quality rice is its was conducted on the data using SPSS v.16.0 software. distinctive grain aroma. One of several methods to estimate Each experiment included data obtained from at least 3 aroma is by smelling leaf tissue or grains after heating in water replications. and reaction with 1.7% KOH solution for 10-12 min (Sood and 3. Results and Discussion Siddiq, 1978). This test was used to classify both the aromatic and non-aromatic rice cultivars. 3.1. Grain quality 2.4. Panicle characterization Various agronomical parameters like GL, GL/GB ratio, GW Yield, the main agronomic trait of any crop plant, depends on and PC were investigated. Table 2 shows remarkable diversity different characters of panicle or inflorescence like the number of for many of the measured grain parameters pertaining to the

Table 2: Variability in different quantitative agro-morphological Abbreviations used in the Description of the Table 2 characters based on the modified descriptor lists forOryza sativa L: Long; M:Medium; S: Short; B: BOld; SL: Slender; VL: L. as described in Chang and Bardenas, 1965; IRRI-IBPGR, Very long; ML: Moderately long; H: Heavy; I: Intermediate; 1980; NBPGR-MOEF GOI, 2006; Sanni et al., 2008 L: Light; T: Tall; SD: Semi-dwarf; B: Broad; M: Medium; N: Sl. Quantitative Descri- Range No. Mean±S.E. Narrow; VL: Very late; Lt: Late; M: Medium; E: Early; VE: No. characters ption of Very early; Hi: High; Lo: Low; D: Dense; Lx: Lax var. collection. It was noted that the individual parameters differ 1. Grain length L >10 3 11.0±0.00 in their patterns of geographical distribution among the 12 (GL) in mm M 8-10 25 8.44±0.13 districts of West Bengal. Nearly 50% of rice varieties had S <8 22 6.45±0.19 medium grain length (8.44±0.13 mm), of which ~18% were 2. Grain shape B <2.1 4 1.86±0.08 slender in shape and the rest were of medium length. Whereas, (GL / GB) M 2.1-3.0 30 2.71±0.03 ~ 44% of the varieties had short (6.45±0.19 mm) and ~6% had in mm Sl >3.0 16 3.75±0.13 long grains (11.0±0.00 mm). It was observed that ~60% of the collected samples had medium grain shape (2.71±0.03 mm), 3. Awn length VL >60 - - whereas ~32% had slender (3.75±0.13 mm) and ~8% had bold (AWL) in ML 13-60 5 21.26±3.01 grain shape (1.86±0.08 mm). The minimum and maximum mm S <12 6 8.27±0.81 GL of collected samples ranged between 5.0-13.0 mm and the 4. 100 grain H >4 - - range for GB was 2.0-4.0 mm, respectively. weight I 2-4 29 2.53±0.04 Figure 1 depicts the diversity of AWL, CLP among all samples. (GW) in g L <2 21 1.75±0.02 Nearly 78% of the rice landraces are awnless; these variet- 5. Plant height T >130 35 150.11±1.44 ies may therefore have been domesticated very early (Table (HT) in cm I 111-130 9 125.96±0.83 3; Figure 1). Awn, the extended upper part of the flowering SD ≤110 6 108.61±0.66 glume plays an important role in rice seed dispersal and it 6. Leaf length L >60 19 66.07±0.64 also protects the rice grains from animal attack (Takahashi et al., (LL) in cm M 41-60 31 50.58±0.86 1986). Awn lengths vary, ranging from 6.0 mm-28.0 mm; S ≤40 - - 7. Leaf width B >1.6 3 1.68±0.01 (LW) in cm M 1.2-1.6 31 1.44±0.01 N <1.2 13 1.06±0.00 8. Days to 50% VL >145 - 113.53±1.37 heading Lt 131-145 5 95.82±0.61 (HD) in days M 116-130 27 82.40±1.44 E 101-115 18 - VE <100 - 9. Maturity VL >145 - - (M) in days LT 131-145 5 142.00±0.64 M 116-130 27 125.81±0.58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 E 101-115 18 110.31±0.7 VE <100 - - 10. No. of Hi 11-14 15 11.84±0.10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 panicles M 7-10 29 8.08±0.14 plant-1 (PN) Lo 4-6 6 4.88±0.32 11. Length of L >25 - - 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 panicle (PL) M 16-25 16 18.64±0.52 in cm S <15 34 12.58±0.27 12. No.of grains D 8-12 9 9.66±0.30 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 unit length-1 I 5-7 3-4 38 6.00±0.09 of panicle Lx 3 3.77±0.11 Figure 1: Fifty different wild-type rice landraces collected (NGP) from various districts of West Bengal as detailed in Table 1

Table 3: Variability in 7 qualitative morphological characters It has been reported that rice varieties having red or brown based on the modified descriptor lists for Oryza sativa L. pericarp are nutritionally rich due to presence of nutrients as described in Chang and Bardenas, 1965; IRRI-IBPGR, such as vitamin-B (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin), and elevated 1980; NBPGR-MOEF GOI, 2006; Sanni et al., 2008 concentrations of carotenoids such as lutein (Frei and Becker, 2012). The distribution of phenotypic classes for the weight Sl. Quantitative Description No. of of 100 rice grains shows ~58% of varieties to be intermediate No. characters variety (2.53±0.04 g) and ~42% to be light weight (1.75±0.02 g), with 1. Colour of Pale yellow 10 none in the heavy weight grain category (Table 2). lemma-palea Yellow 14 (CLP) Deep yellow 3 3.2. Organoleptic characteristics Light brown 3 The demand for aromatic rice has been increasing in recent Brown 3 years not only in Asian market but also all over the world Deep brown 5 (Sarhadi et al., 2011). Grain aroma, revealed by smelling the Blackish brown 4 dehusked grains of each rice variety after reaction with 1.7% Brown furrows on yellow 3 KOH solution (Sood and Siddiq, 1978), indicates that 13 Brown spot on yellow 2 cultivars (Tulaipanji, Tulshi bhog, Bhog dhan, Khas dhan, Dark purple 3 Chini atap, Kalojire, Phulpakri, Kalanunia, Prasad bhog, 2. Awning Present 11 Kalojoha, Katari bhog, Badsha bhog and Danaguri) were aromatic (AW) Absent 39 (Figure 2), in addition to the Basmati and Gobinda bhog varieties 3. Pericarp White 32 that have previously been reported as aromatic (Bradbury et colour (PC) Cream 8 al., 2005; Joshi and Behera 2006). This result coincides with Light brown 4 the earlier observations, reported by our group (Saha et al., Brown 2 2012). Figure 2 shows the morphology of newly identified Deep brown 1 aromatic rice grains with and without husk. Interestingly, the Reddish brown 2 Tulaipanji, Prasad bhog, Kalojire, Bhog dhan, Tulshi bhog Deep red 1 and Kalanunia aromatic varieties also possess awns (Figure 4. Type of en- Sticky 1 2) suggesting that these cultivars are better adapted to changes dosperm Non-sticky 49 in the environment. 5. Type of grain Aromatic 15 Amylose content or stickiness is an important character of rice (on the basis Non-Aromatic 35 grains that depends on the ratio of amylose to amylopectin of aroma) present in the grain endosperm (Chang and Bardenas, 1965). 6. Leaf blade Pubescent 7 Results from the starch-iodine test revealed that the Borapaddy pubescence Intermediate 32 variety collected from Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal was (LBP) Glabrous 11 very sticky; starch granules from this variety gave brown 7. Panicle ex- Well exserted 34 sertion (PE) Partially exserted 16 Enclosed - the Tulaipanji and Kaikadhan varieties had moderately long awns (21.26±3.01 mm; Table 2), suggesting that they are more wild-type in nature. The Phulpakri and Jagdala rice varieties exhibit typical lemma and palea colour (Figure 1). Other interesting morphologies include brown furrows in Bhadoi (Figure 1) and dark purple colour in Kalajoha, Kalojire and Bhog dhan (Figure 1). An examination of the pericarps reveals 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 that ~64% of rice varieties possess white pericarp (Table 3). Figure 2: Identified aromatic rice landraces in the collection Strikingly, varieties like Zonoroi, Kaika dhan, Deshi borodhan, with and without husk. (1) Tulaipanji; (2) Prasad bhog; (3) Deshikalam, Changa, Roygorh, Bhadoi, Shilkumari, Lalhushri Kalojoha; (4) Chini atap; (5) Kalojire; (6) Phulpakri; (7) Badsha and Jhulur had different shades of brown or deep red coloured bhog; (8) Katari bhog; (9) Danaguri; (10) Bhog dhan; (11) pericarps, which are potentially of enhanced nutritional value. Khas dhan; (12) Tulshi bhog; (13) Kalanunia.

© 2012 PP House 000372 Saha et al., 2012 colouration after reacting with 30% (w/v) iodine solution width (1.06±0.00 mm) ( Table 2). Leaf blade pubescence was (Figure 3(c);). All other varieties yielded a typical dark-purple observed throughout the collection and was ~22% glabrous; colouration (Figure 3(b);). Thus grain aroma (Figure 2; Table ~64% were intermediate or partially pubescent and ~14% were 3) and stickiness (Figure 3; Table 3) both exhibit significant pubescent (Table 3). variation among rice samples in our collection. It was reported With regard to heading, it was observed that ~54% of the that sticky rice cultivars were commonly used for making soups samples took 95.82±0.61days to attain 50% head, while ~36% in the food industry (Rana et al., 2009). varieties were early heading (82.40±1.44 days) and ~10% were 3.3. Mature plant characteristics late heading varieties (113.53±1.37 days) (Table 2). Early As shown in Table 2, ~70% of the landraces in the collection heading varieties of rice represent a benefit of early ripening were found to be tall (150.11±1.44 mm), whereas ~18% were of seed and may be useful in grain production (Zafar et al., of intermediate height (125.96±0.83 mm) and ~12% were of 2004). The sexual maturity also followed a similar pattern as the semi-dwarf (108.61±0.66 mm) variety. The results also the number of days required for 50% heading. Of all samples, showed that leaf characteristics are highly polymorphic; ~62% early maturing (110.31±0.70 days) varieties were ~36%; in the collection have leaves of medium length (50.58±0.86 medium varieties (125.81±0.58 days) were ~54% and late ones mm) while ~38% have long leaves (66.07±0.64 mm). The (142.00±0.64 days) were ~10% in the collection (Table 2). Deshi borodhan, Moul and Roygorh varieties had long, broad The number of panicles varied among rice varieties that leaves (1.68±0.01 mm), ~62% of the samples had leaves of reflect their diverse yield potentials. Varieties having medium medium width (1.44±0.01 mm) and ~26% had leaves of narrow PN (8.08±0.14) were ~58%, while high PN (11.84±0.10) were ~30%. The remaining varieties (~12%) had low PN (4.88±0.32) (Table 2). The distribution of PE in the collection was ~32% for partially exserted and ~68% for well exserted (panicle base is clearly above the flag leave sheath) varieties (Table 3). The PL and NGP were found to be interrelated. (a) (b) (c) It was observed that ~68% of the landraces had short PL Figure 3: Reaction of iodine solution with rice starch granules. (12.58±0.27 cm), while ~32% had medium PL (18.64±0.52 (a) Colourless rice starch granules in the absence of iodine cm). About 76% were intermediate (6.00±0.09), ~18% dense solution (control); (b) Dark blue coloured starch granules (9.66±0.30) and only ~6% had lax NGP (3.77±0.11) (Table 2). with 30% (w/v) iodine solution; (c) Brown coloured starch The statistical significance of correlation between these traits granules in the presence of 30% (w/v) iodine solution. was ascertained and is shown in Table 4 along with the matrix

Table 4: Pearson correlation coefficients (n) computed for different agro-morphological traits Quantitative GL GB GL/GB AWL GW HT LL LW HD M PN PL NGP traits Ratio GL 1 GB 0.312* 1 GL/GB Ratio .582** -.543** 1 AWL .055 .054 .026 1 GW .535** .371** .109 -.161 1 HT .066 -.068 .024 .169 .157 1 LL .218 .222 .077 .178 .023 .172 1 LW .223 .198 .042 .212 .124 .254 .595** 1 HD -.191 -.064 -.101 -.051 .023 .171 .030 .186 1 M -.047 -.022 -.076 -.147 .163 .185 -.085 .099 .794** 1 PN .215 -.029 .229 -.090 -.026 .096 .235 .125 -.213 -.223 1 PL .072 .240 -.092 .080 .157 .196 .048 .121 -.208 -.257 .297* 1 NGP .226 .025 .191 .002 .198 .239 .283* .284* -.215 -.206 .240 .361** 1 *Correlation is significant at 0.05 level (2 tailed);** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2 tailed)

373 © 2012 PP House International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management 2012, 3(3):368-375 of the Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Interestingly, we Bajracharya, J., Steele, K.A., Jarvis, D.I., Sthapit, B.R., Witcombe, observed a positive correlation between NGP and LL/ LW J.R., 2006. Rice landrace diversity in Nepal: Variability of (p=0.05; two-tailed; Table 4). However, the NGP does not agro-morphological traits and SSR markers in landraces bear correlation with either GL or GB or grain shape (GL from a high-altitude site. Field Crops Research 95(2-3), / GB ratio; Table 4). This suggests that leaf surface area is 327-335. intimately linked to photosynthetic capabilities leading to Barry, M.B., Pham, J.L., Noyer, J.L., Billot, C., Courtois, B., increased production of food and its ultimate storage in the Ahmadi, N., 2007. Genetic diversity of the two cultivated grains of each panicle. rice species (O. sativa and O. glaberrima) in Maritime Guinea: Evidence for interspecific recombination. 4. Conclusion Euphytica 154, 127-137. We highlight comprehensive efforts that are underway for rational Bradbury, L.M.T., Fitzgerald, T.L., Henry, R.J., Jin, Q.S., Waters, germplasm collection, and preliminary agro-morpholgical D.L.E., 2005. The gene for fragrance in rice. Plant characterization of fifty Oryza sativa L. cultivars from West Biotechnology Journal. 3, 363-70. Bengal, India. A positive correlation was observed between Chang, T.T., Bardenas, E.A., 1965. The morphology and the number of rice grains panicle-1 and the leaf length or leaf varietal characteristics of the rice plant. International width, suggesting that leaf surface area is intimately linked to Rice Research Institute. Technical Bulletin 4. Los Banos, photosynthetic capabilities and food storage in the grains of Philippines, 1-40. each panicle. We also identified aromatic cultivars viz. the Deb, D., 2009. Biodiversity and Complexity of Rice Farm Tulaipanji, Tulshi bhog, Bhog dhan, Khas dhan, Chini atap, Ecosystems: An Empirical Assessment. The Open Ecology Kalojire, Phulpakri, Kalanunia, Prasad bhog, Kalojoha, Katari Journal 2, 112-129. bhog, Badsha bhog and Danaguri and this results underscore Frei, M., Becker, K., 2012. On Rice, Biodiversity and Nutrients. a need for conservation strategies that optimize use of rare Institute of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics cultivars in breeding programs. (480B), Department of Aquaculture Systems and Animal The early heading varieties such as Tulshi bhog, Tulaipanji, Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, D-70599 Stuttgart, Katari bhog and Danaguri are also aromatic and possess awns. Germany. Available from http://www.stopogm.net/sites/ These varieties may find novel commercial applications. stopogm.net/files/RiceBiodiversityNutrients.pdf We identified the Zonoroi, Kaika dhan, Deshi borodhan, Halick, J.V., Keneaster, K.K., 1956. The use of a starch-iodine-blue Deshikalam, Changa, Roygorh, Bhadoi, Shilkumari, Lalhushri, test as a quality indicator of white milled rice. Cereal and Jhulur had different shades of brown or deep red Chemistry 33, 315-319. coloured pericarps, suggesting that they are potentially of IRRI-IBPGR, 1980. Descriptors for rice (Oryza sativa L.). enhanced nutritional value. Rice varieties such as Borapaddy, IBPGR-IRRI Rice Advisory Committee, Manila, which are sticky, find commercial use in soups and are thus in Philippines, 1-21. demand in the food industry. Joshi, R.K., Behera, L., 2006. Identification and differentiation 5. Acknowledgements of indigenous non-Basmati aromatic rice genotypes of India using microsatellite markers. 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